WI: Pillars of Hercules-Open

[sonicwind123]

In the ancient world, sailors for the most part stayed with in the pillars of Hercules. Still there were some who didn't like Pyheas of Marseilles (who traveled to Ireland) and King Hanno of Carthage (Traveled as far as Sierra Leone). What if the societies would of decided to build upon this work.

 

[Michael B]

Travel between the British Isles and the Med was relatively common in that there was regular trade between the two most notably tin from Cornwall. As for turning south, getting home is difficult because of the winds. In fact Portuguese ships used to sail out almost to the coast of Brazil on return voyages. Earlier European sailors did not do that because they was essentially island/coast hoppers (and that includes the Vikings).

A sufficient number of early ships were sunk in storms that captains were prudent man. However, mercantile voyages could be extremely profitable hence the term one's ship has come in.

 

[sonicwind123]

Well, travel between Britain. and the content didn't really pick up until Rome was the dominate power on the high seas. I was revering to a slightly earlier time. Also, even Rome still mostly went over land in Gaul when they were going to trade with Britain. Also the second part is true, but that also has to deal with how far south you travel. If you keep to the upper coast you don't have near the same level of a problem.